For the first time in its modern history, Cambodia has achieved a “trade balance.” This means the value of goods the country sells to the world (exports) is now almost exactly equal to the value of goods it buys from other countries (imports).
Deputy Prime Minister H.E. Sun Chanthol announced this “exceptionally strong” milestone on Friday, noting that it marks a major shift from the past when Cambodia relied much more heavily on buying foreign products than selling its own.
The Big Numbers for 2025
Despite a difficult global economy, Cambodia’s trade grew by 18% this year. Here is a breakdown of the results:
- Total Trade Volume: US$62.24 billion.
- Total Exports: US$31.28 billion (a 17% increase).
- Top Customer: The United States (buying 41% of all Cambodian exports).
- Other Key Markets: Southeast Asian neighbors (ASEAN) at 18% and the European Union at 16%.
Turning Challenges into Opportunities
While the news is positive, the government warned that global tensions and conflicts could still impact growth. To stay protected, Cambodia is following a plan called the “Pentagonal Strategy-Phase 1.” This strategy focuses on five key areas to keep the economy stable: People, Roads, Water, Electricity, and Technology. The goal for 2026 is to find more countries to trade with so Cambodia doesn’t rely too much on just one or two markets. This “road map” is designed to create more jobs and keep the country’s economy resilient against global changes.
READ MORE: Cambodia’s Trade with the U.S. Hits Record High in 2025